Used-car loan rates were also down, although to a lesser degree. The average rate for a 36-month used-car loan, a popular option for auto loan refinancing, lopped off 1 basis point, ending up at 7.23 percent.

This week Toyota announced it's recalling 1.7 million vehicles worldwide for fuel leaks, according to a report by The Detroit News. While most of the affected models were sold in Japan, 245,000 were 2006-2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006-2009 Lexus IS250 and 2006-2008 Lexus IS350 models sold in the U.S., with the IS making up the majority of those. Toyota says the cause of the fuel leak is insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes.

Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused. We do not permit the inclusion of hyperlinks in comments and may remove any comment that includes a hyperlink.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on certain links posted on this website.